Characterization of vitamin D deficiency and use of a standardized supplementation protocol in orthopaedic trauma patients.

PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to assess the incidence of vitamin D deficiency in orthopaedic trauma patients, evaluate the safety and efficacy of a vitamin D supplementation protocol, and investigate the utility of vitamin D supplementation in reducing nonunions.

METHODS

Three hundred seventy patients with operative tibia and/or fibula fractures were retrospectively reviewed. Both overall and matched cohorts were analysed.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight per cent (n = 210) were found to have vitamin D insufficiency (serum 25(OH)D level < 30 ng/ml). There were no cases of vitamin D toxicity following vitamin D replacement. Median follow-up vitamin D level was 22.7 ng/mL. No statistical difference between union rates was found between either the two consecutive cohorts or matched cohorts.

CONCLUSION

This vitamin D replacement protocol was a safe treatment for hypovitaminosis D, but post hoc analysis shows there would need to be over 1200 matched patients to achieve adequate power.